Follow Villanova University’s students as they immerse themselves in the Eternal City. We hope their journals inspire you to learn more about the Vatican and UN Internships and how our students experience Rome in a way few can!

Happy Advent! As we prepare for the coming of our Lord I reflect on my time in Rome experiencing this very special season of our Church. Recently, the other interns and I have had the opportunity to have a tour of the Papal Apartments! What kind of place does the Pope live in, one may […]

One of my favorite things about Italy (second only to the food) is how rich the country is with different cultures. From Milano in the very north to Sorrento in the very south, each region of Italy is bursting with different customs, traditions, and even dialects. I would spend my whole time studying abroad traveling […]

A few weeks ago, Maddie and I walked out of Via della Concializione, 5 and went around the corner to the Vatican Radio office where we met up with Mr. Lovett, one of my favorite staff members who comes to the Secretariat each day, and we met up with Kalvary the Villanova computer Science student […]

Interning at the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication has been such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Monday through Thursday I jump on the #23 bus, and head to Via della Concialiazione for the morning internship. Each day brings something new, whether that be sharing my ideas about social media with those in the office, taking pictures in St. […]

Italian Weekend Travel Options I have never had been to Italy before this semester, and really wanted to get to know the country. The best way to get to know this country to me has been TRAVELING! With people on the program, I have traveled in Italy every weekend so far (including around Rome of […]

The Glory of Garbatella! Ciao mi amici di Villanova! This semester I have been very blessed to be living in Garbatella with my amazing roommates in a beautiful apartment! Living in a solely Italian neighborhood, that is not touristy, and being on my own (cooking especially and taking public transportation and attending events and work […]

If you know me, you know that I love coffee. On campus, I can usually be found camped out in the Connelly Holy Grounds or spending my rainy days at the Gryphon in Wanye. As with any college student, affine is the lifeblood of my studies. So, it is no surprise that part of my […]

I love Rome. I love the food, the culture, and the language. However, I love the never-ending possibilities the absolute most. I am constantly amazed at all the opportunities, activities and experiences that Rome has to offer. Besides the fact that I am currently working for one of the three major United Nations organizations dedicated […]

The best part about studying abroad, especially in Italy, is not the insanely delicious out-of-this-world food we eat/make/buy every day, or the historic landmarks that are so well preserved one need only look left and right to imagine themselves in ancient Rome, or the priceless works of art as in the countless churches and paintings […]

On any given evening, whether it be winter or summer, I can usually be found enjoying a nice cup or cone of ice cream. This could be mint chocolate chip from Hope’s Cookies, Half Baked from my two good friends Ben and Jerry, or a dipped chocolate cone from Dairy Queen. As you can tell, […]